Polycarbonate Roofing Installation Instructions

Greenhouses are often covered in polycarbonate roofing.

Polycarbonate roofing is a type of roofing that is often clear, though it is available in different colors. It is commonly used on greenhouses to allow the sun to heat up the inner space without subjecting the plants to exterior conditions. Polycarbonate roofing can be installed on gabled or curved roofs, provided the radius of the curve meets the specifications of the roofing material.

1

Place the first sheet of polycarbonate roofing on the lower corner of the roof that is nearest to the direction of the prevailing winds. This allows the overlap of the sheeting to be in the direction of the wind and provides a more stable surface.

2

Drill a hole in each corrugation at the bottom of the polycarbonate sheet, using a drill and a carbide-tipped drill bit that's slightly larger than the size of the fastener to allow for expansion.

3

Place a neoprene no-drip washer below the roofing and between the roofing and screw, if you are attaching the roofing in the valley of the corrugation. Use a self-drilling, self-tapping screw for metal substructures and a wood screw for wooden substructures. Use a no-drip spacer below the roofing and a sharp-point, self-tapping screw with a neoprene washer if you are attaching in the rise of the corrugation. Screw the sheeting to the substructure.

4

Place the next piece of sheeting above the first piece, overlapping the first sheet by 3 to 4 inches. Drill holes and attach the roofing to the substructure at either the valley or rise of every other corrugation as before. Continue until you reach the top of the roof or the other side of a curved structure. Attach the last piece at every corrugation instead of every other corrugation.

5

Measure the distance between the desired overlap and the edge of the roof. Mark this distance on the sheeting. Cut the polycarbonate sheeting with a handheld cutting tool.

6

Start the next row of roofing by overlapping the previous row by one corrugation. Continue installing panels across the roof.

7

Attach the aluminum ridge cap material to the roof and seal it with foam weatherstripping.

Things You Will Need

Safety glasses

Dust mask

Drill

Carbide-tipped drill bit

Neoprene no-drip washers

Self-drilling, self-tapping screws or woodgrip screws

No-drip spacers

Sharp-point, self-tapping screws

Handheld cutting tool

Aluminum ridge cap

Foam weatherstripping

Warning

Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting polycarbonate.

About the Author

Based in Laramie, Wyo., Joanna Swanson has been writing in her professional life since 2004. She currently writes for various websites and enjoys reading a wide variety of books. Swanson holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wyoming.